Sounders sign Estrada and Fucito

The Sounders have just announced a couple of expected roster moves as they prepare for their season-opener Thursday against Philadelphia (Qwest Field, sold out, ESPN2).

The Seattle Sounders FC signed midfielders David Estrada, the club's first-round selection in the 2010 MLS SuperDraft, and Michael Fucito, the club announced today. Per Major League Soccer and club policy, terms were not disclosed.

Estrada, 22, was selected by Seattle with the 11th pick overall in the 2010 draft. Estrada played in all six preseason games, starting two.

Estrada was born in Mexico but raised in Salinas, California, played all four years at UCLA and was a four-time All-Pac-10 honoree. In 2006, Estrada went from being a walk-on to Soccer America's Freshman of the Year after leading his team in scoring with a UCLA freshman record 12 goals, four game-winning goals, and 28 points. Estrada finished his collegiate career having started 64 of 78 games played, including all 20 games his senior season, and scored 22 goals with 14 assists.

Fucito, 23, was first taken by Seattle with the 46th pick overall in the 2009 draft, signed with the club on July 3, 2009, and appeared in two friendlies against Chelsea and Barcelona before being released on November 25, 2009. Fucito rejoined the team as an invitee, playing in two preseason games.

Fucito was a second team All-American as a senior at Harvard, leading the Ivy League in total points and helping Harvard reach the second round of the 2008 NCAA tournament. Fucito finished as the Crimson's No. 4 career scorer with 32 goals and 24 assists.

The Sounders FC is to begin its second MLS season on Thursday, March 25 by hosting the expansion Philadelphia Union on the Xbox Pitch at Qwest Field. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. PT.

Transaction: Seattle Sounders (MLS) - Signed MF Michael Fucito

Position: Midfielder

Height: 5-9

Weight: 165

Birthdate: 3/29/1986

Hometown (Citizenship): Westford, Massachusetts (USA)

College: Harvard

Pronunciation: few-SEE-toe

Transaction: Seattle Sounders (MLS) - Signed MF David Estrada

Position: Forward

Height: 5-8

Weight: 160

Birthdate: 2/4/1988

Hometown (Citizenship): Salinas, Calif. (USA)

College: UCLA

High School: Alinas HS

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